Nikon Adds a New Lightweight 4x Zoom Kit Lens

Nikon today launched the clone of the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM, its very own Nikon Nikkor Z 24-105mm f/4-7.1. But unlike Canon, Nikon decided to leave off VR. I presume because most of their cameras have IBIS, so they felt they could keep the price down this way. However, as a point, the Nikkor lens is more expensive than Canon’s, with a price of $546.95 against Canon’s $459.00. The reason for this will be painfully apparent later in the article, though.

The Nikkor zoom lens is slightly smaller in diameter and lighter than the Canon RF equivalent, but is actually quite a bit longer.

As well, the Canon RF lens has a better minimum focus distance of .13m versus the Nikkor with a .2m minimum focus distance. Both lenses use stepper motors, so not much difference there. The Nikkor consists of 12 elements in 10 groups, versus 13 elements across 11 groups in the Canon; this most likely is the difference in weight between the two lenses (45g).

It does have a nice touch of having the control ring being customizable between clickless and clicked for video versus still photography usage. It’s also surprisingly dust and drip-resistant, something you wouldn’t normally expect from such a consumer lens.

It’s a lens that Nikon most certainly needed in its lineup, but from a pure specifications standpoint, it “appears” as if Canon makes the superior lens, which is also why we drill into lenses a bit more than most people do on announcements. That’s why you read us ;)

Pre-Order the Nikon Nikkor Z 24-105mm f/4-7.1

I’m not expecting many preorders to come through us here, but who knows? Maybe some of you reading here have a Nikon camera body. Oddly enough, someone accused me of being a Nikon user because I gave them the top camera of 2025 award. Go figure – so maybe I’m in the hunt for this lens too ;)

Preorder the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-105mm f/4-7.1 from B&H for $546.95

Preorder the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-105mm f/4-7.1 from Foto Erhardt for 599,00€

Lens Construction and MTF

Where the specifications of the lens seem rather underwhelming from the specifications point of view, the MTF shows excellent response for a consumer lens. While it’s very difficult to compare MTF across companies, we can draw a decent idea of its performance, and this lens beats the Canon RF, well, everywhere. It punishes the Canon RF 24-105mm f4-7.1. Assuming Nikon can match this MTF through quality control, then this is a very good lens and punches well above its weight class. Especially on the telephoto. So take back everything I said about this lens seeming underwhelming. Nikon, I’m sorry.

Just to give you an idea of how jaw-dropping good that looks, here’s the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM.

Now again, to be fair, the Canon lens has IS, and also is less expensive and an older lens. Also, MTFs from company to company aren’t an exact comparison either.

The lens construction is rather straightforward, with 1 ED element and 2 aspherical elements

Press Release

NIKON RELEASES THE NIKKOR Z 24-105MM F/4-7.1: A VERSATILE AND LIGHTWEIGHT 4.4X ZOOM LENS THAT ELEVATES EVERYDAY CAPTURE

An Affordable Zoom Lens for Everyday Photo and Video

MELVILLE, NY (January 6, 2026) – Nikon Inc. has announced the versatile NIKKOR Z 24-105mm f/4-7.1 standard zoom lens for Nikon FX-format /full-frame mirrorless cameras. This new lens features a broad 24-105mm wide-angle to medium-telephoto focal range, making it easy to capture all types of scenes and subjects, from expansive landscapes, distant landmarks, food, friends, street snapshots, travel and more.

This highly versatile and compact lens is easy to carry all day for any excursion, with a weight of only 12.4 oz / 350 g. It features a minimum focus distance of just 7.9 in. / 0.2 m at the wide-angle end and 11 in. / 0.28 m at the telephoto end, allowing users to achieve attractively blurred backgrounds with close-up shooting for impressive rendering that highlights the primary subject.

The new NIKKOR Z 24-105mm f/4-7.1 zoom lens pairs perfectly with Nikon’s full-frame Z5II mirrorless camera and will be available as a kit lens option starting this winter. This convenient kit gives Z5II users an all-in-one package to explore creative boundaries and capture every memory or moment.

Key Features of the NIKKOR Z 24-105mm f/4-7.1

• The versatile wide-angle 24mm to medium telephoto 105mm range of focal lengths is optimal for a wide range of scenes and subjects.
• A lightweight design of only 12.4 oz / 350 g that is comfortable to use all day.
• The short minimum focus distances of 7.9 in. / 0.2 m at the wide-angle end and 11 in. / 0.28 m at the telephoto end, combined with a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.5× (at focal lengths of 70mm to 105mm), facilitate close-up shooting.
• Use of a stepping motor (STM) ensures fast and quiet autofocusing for smooth video recording
• Zoom capability can be expanded to the equivalent of a maximum 210mm range of focal lengths, without sacrificing resolution, using the Hi-Res Zoom1 feature of select Nikon cameras2.
• Equipped with a customizable control ring to which focus (M/A), aperture, exposure compensation, or ISO sensitivity can be assigned.
• Designed with consideration for dust and drip-resistance3.

Price and Availability

The NIKKOR Z 24-105mm f/4-7.1 lens will be available in mid January 2026 for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $549.95*. The new lens will also be available as part of a kit with the Nikon Z5II for $2,199.95 SRP*.

For more information about the latest Nikon products, including the vast collection of NIKKOR Z lenses and the entire line of Z series cameras, please visit nikonusa.com.

1. Some features may not be accessible or may have limited functionality when using High-Res Zoom.

2. When used with the Z9, Z8, Z6III, Z5II, Zf, Z50II, or ZR. The angle of view is equivalent to that of the 36-315mm lens in FX/35mm [135] format when used with the Z50II (as of January 7, 2026).

3 Thorough dust and drip resistance is not guaranteed under all conditions or in all situations.

Specifications, equipment, and release dates are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer.

*SRP (Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.

Specifications

Pre-Order the Nikon Nikkor Z 24-105mm f/4-7.1

Preorder the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-105mm f/4-7.1 from B&H for $546.95

Preorder the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-105mm f/4-7.1 from Foto Erhardt for 599,00€

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